A decade ago, you could sign anyone you wanted until March 31, at which point, so before we were stuck with what we had we brought in two newbies and a familiar face. The new ones were German striker Jens Paeslack - who had played against us for Hearts in a bounce game but the Jambos decided not to pursue their interest - and Rangers youngster Paul McKnight. It's fair to say they would both prove to be notable players for entirely different reasons! The familiar face was Ricky Gillies, back on loan from Aberdeen after a few unsuccessful years at Pittodrie.
After struggling to a goalless draw against Clydebank the week before, it was important we got back on the winning trail. However, we were clearly nervous and still seemed to be pondering over the previous week, while Airdrie played far better than their lowly league position suggested they would. Fortunately, 10 minutes before half time Joe McLaughlin headed in a corner. The veteran - approaching his 40th year - had only been brought in a month or so from Clydebank, and while the big defender would only play a few games for us, he made a vital contribution to the title tilt.
At the other end, Airdrie almost equalised, Ludovic Roy pulling off a great save to deny Gareth Evans. Things were a bit better after the break after the introductions of Iain Nicolson and Paeslack, the bald striker looking reasonable as he tried to pick the pocket of the Airdrie defence. Ahem.
Despite having a few chances, we couldn't extend our lead and were in for a nervy few minutes at the end, although fortunately we didn't concede a late goal - how times change! With just five games left we were five points clear of Dunfermline, although Falkirk had a game up next - and it was the Bairns at Tynecastle up next.